Music Department FAQs

Quick Facts

Asbury University is one of only two private schools in Kentucky with a nationally accredited music program.

More than a dozen ensembles are offered each academic year to students of any major.

Among music departments in Kentucky, the Asbury University Music Department has the highest percentage of earned doctorates among its faculty members.

What can I do with a degree in music?

Asbury University’s music graduates work as educators, performers, church musicians, composers, conductors, arrangers, college professors and many other occupations. .

Ninety-five percent of recent music graduates report that they are employed in the music profession or are pursuing graduate education.

Nearly 100 percent of music education majors who seek a position in education following graduation find employment as music educators.

Right now we are experiencing a national teacher shortage and many additional gifted music teachers are needed. Also, there is a national need for trained church musicians.

What programs in music does the University offer?

Asbury University confers two degrees in the area of music. The B.S. in music (for music education majors) prepares students for teaching positions in the schools. Also offered is a B.A. in music. Within this major, four emphases are offered: church music, composition/arranging, performance and music history, or a student may pursue the music major without an emphasis in order to simultaneously pursue another field of their choice.

How can I become a music major?

If you wish to major or minor in music, you must receive the approval of the music faculty from an entering performance audition. This is typically held during the fall or spring of your senior year of high school.

Auditions are held during the designated visit weekends. (See our audition page for more information.) You may schedule your audition by contacting the Office of Admissions. Students whose auditions are completed by March 1st receive preferential consideration when applying for our music scholarships.

Will I have the chance to perform?

Yes! Performance is a very important part of your educational experience. Asbury University has a variety of vocal and instrumental ensembles from which to choose. You will also be required to prepare for and perform in recitals. Performing both on and off campus, ensembles are open to both music and non-music majors. In addition to travel in the United States, the University’s ensembles have traveled internationally in the former Soviet Union, Scandinavia and Europe. Finally, at the end of your music major at Asbury University, your hard work will be showcased in your senior recital, which will be performed before your peers, family, professors and friends.

What ensembles are available?

Asbury University offers more than a dozen ensembles each year that are open to students of any major. Most ensembles select their membership based on auditions held in the first week of classes.

Chorale (SATB)

Concert Band

Handbell Choir

Jazz Ensemble

Men’s Glee Club (TTBB)

Orchestra

Women’s Choir (SSAA)

Collegium Musicum

This is our chamber ensemble program. Examples of ensembles include:

Brass Ensemble

Flute Choir

Guitar Ensemble

Percussion Ensemble

String Quartet

String Trio

What about your music faculty?

Asbury University music faculty members have trained in nationally recognized programs and keep on top of their fields with active involvement in professional organizations and off-campus local and regional performing groups. All of the full-time faculty members hold earned doctorates (the highest percentages of any music department in Kentucky). They write papers and textbooks, compose musical pieces and attend conferences to sharpen their skills. But their primary focus is on their students. Small classes are taught by experienced faculty members—not graduate students. For many students, their music professors are not just instructors; they are mentors and friends.

What kind of facilities and equipment does the University offer?

You can create your own compositions using Korg synthesizers and Finale software in our departmental MIDI lab or practice in one of 30 student practice rooms. At Asbury University, we maintain a full inventory of band and orchestral instruments, including a six-octave set of Schulmerich handbells; a three-manual, 50-rank Austin organ; a three-manual, 45-rank Zimmer organ and three additional practice/studio organs. Concert grand pianos by Steinway and Baldwin are also available in various performing locations.

How well are Asbury University music students prepared?

Fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, Asbury University is one of only two private schools in Kentucky with a nationally accredited music program. Our wide variety of excellent performing ensembles gives students an opportunity to perform some of the finest literature written for those ensembles. Students’ level of preparation is also apparent by the many awards they win each year. For example, about a dozen Asbury University students are selected annually to perform in the Kentucky Intercollegiate Band, Jazz Ensemble, Orchestra, and the Kentucky All-Collegiate Choir. Our student composers continue to win state and regional competitions, and several are published composers.